Available as a free download from the Apple Store, Pinewood’s new iPhone app allows customers to easily browse through the used vehicle stock held by a dealer, it automatically includes all the used vehicles held on the dealer’s Pinewood Pinnacle dealer management software.

Customers are able to search and look at detailed descriptions and pictures of cars and vans, mark their favourites, and even receive alerts if the price is reduced or the vehicle sold.

Functionality includes:

• Car and Bike stock search – by make, model, price range, mileage, age, and much more. Refined searches allow the customer to pinpoint the exact vehicle they are interested in, or by using a generic search for those who are unsure on their vehicle choice.
• Wish List – create a personalised list of vehicles of interest. The wish list alerts you of changes to your saved search items, so you can keep an eye on whether the vehicle is still in stock.
• Dealer locator – search by current location, or by postcode, to find your nearest dealership – ideal for those needing a workshop booking in a local area. Multi-franchise dealers can be set up, and can be refined in the location search. Full map integration lets the user find their way to you.
• Contacts – Set up for group wide communications, this allows quick dial access to group hotlines, accident assistance, or to speak directly to a local dealership.

Utilising data currently held within the DMS, the app is self managed and updated by using live feed information, similar to that provided for web-focused dealerships.

Managing director Neville Briggs, said: “This is a really easy and effective way for dealers to open up their used vehicle sales to a whole new potential market. All dealers have to do is let customers know that the app is available for download.

“As more and more sophisticated mobile computing devices become available such as iPhones, iPads and Android smartphones, we expect dealers and their customers to start accessing our Pinnacle DMS in many different ways.”

Already implemented for two multi-franchise dealers, Pinewood are now providing the functionality for any Pinnacle customer looking to embark on new digital technologies to reach out to their customer base.

Briggs concluded: “Technology will always continue to provide new ways of communicating to your market – this is just one of many examples which we are currently working on. It is critical for each dealership to evaluate how their customers want to engage with them, and not the other way round.

“Our iPhone app allows the tech-savvy, ‘always connected’ customer to find the information they want quickly and easily.”